Ever heard of a foundation that provides 24-hours of uninterrupted flawless coverage? I’ve never tried one, so the latest YSL All Hours Foundation intrigued me from the very beginning and went straight to the top of my ‘To Try’ list. So spoiler alert, the YSL All Hours Foundation lives up to the hype! It is in my humble opinion, the best foundation yet to be released by iconic powerhouse YSL. And disclaimer: that’s coming from someone who does not typically like a matte, full coverage foundation for day to day!
I know matte foundations don’t seem to work for everybody and over the years, as I’ve come to realize I won’t stay forever young, I too shared the belief that matte foundations were simply not for me. The standard thick consistency would just sit on top of my face like an opaque mask, emphasizing my fine lines and dry patches, meanwhile making me look older than my actual age or making me appear seriously ill. But that’s the thing about being a beauty blogger, sometimes you get the opportunity to try things outside of your comfort zone (purely in the name of research of course)! And let me just say, am I glad I wasn’t too quick to dispel the YSL All Hours Foundation!
What it is and What it does
The YSL All Hours Foundation is a full coverage matte foundation that is advertised as follows:
- provides 24-hour, full coverage that won’t cake, dry, flake or fade throughout the day
- instantly blurs out pores and fine lines to even out skin tone
- creates uninterrupted flawless wear that looks and feels as just applied, all day. No-touch ups required
- features a high concentration of ultrafine, oil-absorbing pigments that cover and smooth perfectly yet resist fading, heat, humidity, and dryness
- contains a black tea antioxidant complex to combat the signs of dullness and fatigue, while protecting skin from pollution
- combines move-with-you flexible pigments in a formula that is transfer-proof, oil-free and non-pore clogging
It comes in an elegant, hefty glass bottle with a convenient pump that dispenses just the right amount of product to prevent wastage. I would say that for myself, one pump is enough to cover the entire face, blending onto the neck area.
My experience
The first thing I was dying to know was could this foundation really instantly blur out my pores and fine lines without unrecognizably and unflatteringly covering up my skin? The answer is yes, because the YSL ALL Hours Foundation is the chameleon of matte foundations! It provides all the benefits a matte foundation ought to, but without behaving like your typical matte foundation!
The texture and finish are the two features that stood out the most to me! Based on my previous experiences with matte full coverage foundations, I expected the consistency of this foundation to be more of a thick and heavy cream texture that instantly covers the face just like an opaque mask would. Surprisingly, the YSL All Hours features a soft, fluid texture that glides effortlessly and blends seamlessly to conceal my trouble areas (enlarged pores, fine lines, some wrinkles and dry patches) in a very natural-looking way. It truly feels like the most expensive silk velvet touching the contours of the face.
The coverage is medium but because of the light, fluid texture, it’s highly buildable to full coverage. The finish is a soft matte that looks incredibly natural and skin-like.
Despite the fact that Alcohol Denat is listed as the third ingredient on the list, I found the formula incredibly kind and gentle to my sensitive skin. It did not aggravate previously existing dry patches I have along the sides of my jawline and cheeks, nor did it further dehydrate my fussy skin. In fact, this foundation imparted a gorgeous luminous look, reviving my lackluster, dull and dehydrated complexion. Not only that, but even once I removed this foundation, 12 hours after the initial application, my skin appeared calm and refreshed.
The other day I got an opportunity to chat with a Sephora rep and inquire about my reservations related to the high alcohol content in the formula. I am a huge fan of the flawless and fresh way this foundation leaves my complexion, but I wanted to make sure I’m not damaging my skin in the process. The Sephora rep suggested to always use a moisturizer under this foundation to ensure the skin is adequately nourished. Skincare comes first for me, so I always try to follow a wholesome routine that ensures my skin is protected (you can read about my daytime regime here and nighttime routine here).
As it usually goes with matte full coverage foundations, finding the right shade is paramount. I was happy to see that the YSL All Hours Foundation range includes 22 shades suitable for every skin tone. There are shades available to match neutral complexions (denoted by the letter ‘B’ next to color number on the packaging), as well as cooler tones marked ‘BR’ and warmer tones labeled ‘BD’ on the packaging. For your reference, I am wearing shade Sand B40.
The YSL All Hours range also includes a primer and a concealer. Concealer is probably the makeup product I hoard the most, alongside foundations, so the YSL All Hours Concealer is up next on my testing table. I didn’t expect to really enjoy the matte full coverage benefits offered by this range which is why I didn’t pick the concealer at the time I got the foundation. But given the superb performance of the YSL All Hours Foundation, I am dying to now try the concealer. Keep your eyes peeled for a review. Good or bad, my thoughts on the YSL All Hours Concealer are coming your way soon!
The YSL All Hours range is available at Nordstrom here or at Sephora here.
This is NOT a sponsored post but it does contain referral links. Read my Disclaimer policy for more info.
Oh my, now I most certainly will have to try this foundation!! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!! It looks so beautiful and flawless on you Cat!! Very natural looking too!! I must request a sample from Sephora ASAP!
Thank you so much, Laura. You’re always so kind to me! Definitely get a sample. The finish of this YSL All Hours Foundation is very skin-like and it wears so well throughout the day! ~ Cat L.
Great Article Cat , I’m actually in the market for a new foundation(preferably a matte finish ) . You details are specific and intuitive that I can imagine this foundation on my skin . Definitely a great readable the pics wee amazing as usual . Will be trying this foundation out . Also have you used or tried out the new Rihanna foundation FENTY? Also on my list to try
Hi Nina, thank you for stopping by. I highly recommend trying out the YSL All Hours Foundation as it wears beautifully throughout the day. As far as Fenty, I haven’t tried anything from them yet, but have received several requests to review the foundation. I might pick it up during the Sephora VIB Sale. ~ Cat L.
Wonderful review Cat! I’m a big fan of the YSL Touche Eclat series (the cushion foundation is my current HG), but now I’m dying to try this All Hours foundation! First of all it looks amazing on you, I love how natural and light it looks despite its high coverage. Will need to check out this and the concealer (why not? haha) the next time I’m at Sephora!
Jenny | Geeky Posh
Thank you for stopping by, Jenny! I think you will be pleasantly surprised by this foundation. Definitely sample it out at Sephora! ~ Cat L.
Love loved learning about YSL’s latest release. It sounds amazing. ?I have to say even on pictures it translates so well on you. Loving the finish so much & since you mentioned 22 Shades I have no doubt they have on for me. I don’t live in the USA or I would have used the link you gave us thank you. But definitely getting it I will let you know once I get it.
Thank you again
Esnath @ http://www.prettypeachblossom.com
Thank you for stopping by, Esnath. So glad you enjoyed the post and found it helpful! ~ Cat L.
I love that foundation!! So pretty! <3
X Merel
http://www.andathousandwords.com
It has such a beautiful finish and great coverage. One of my favorites as well! ~ Cat L.
Loved reading your review Cat! I truly like the finish of the foundation and yes I’ve read about the controversy as well. You look beautiful before and after! xx
Dom
http://www.calibeaute.com
Thank you so much, Dom. I still really enjoy using this foundation despite the controversy, I just don’t use it every day. The finish is sublime! ~ Cat L.
A great review Cat that answered many questions as this one sure has had mixed reviews within the ‘Beauty Community’. I have to say it looks absolutely flawless in you and your skin looks incredible wearing this. Love the makeup look as that lip is gorgeous!
I have never been a fan of YSL bases in the past as I just never fell in love with him but maybe I should give this a try/sample as your skin does look spot on Cat.
All caught up reading wise and my wishlist just got a little longer, thanks! LOL
– Kelly xx
http://www.KELLiLASH.com
Thank you so much, Kelly! You’re always so kind to me! I have to admit I’m not a fan of YSL foundations, but I was completely blown away by the finish of the All Hours and how beautifully it wore throughout the day. I highly recommend getting a sample and trying it out! ~ Cat L.
I love the sound of this foundation but the alcohol, high up on the ingredients list, made me worry. Glad to hear it’s working well for you, Cat! x
Mummy’s Beauty Corner
Agreed, I’m not happy to see the alcohol listed that high but at the same, I was so impressed with the finish and how well this foundation wore throughout the day. I also didn’t notice any issues with my skin from using this foundation. I don’t use it every day, but I think it’s an excellent option for special occasions. ~ Cat L.
First of all, you have gorgeous skin! This foundation sounds so lovely. I love a matte finish, but not at the cost of dehydrating my dry skin. I would also worry about the high alcohol content, but it sounds like it hasn’t been a problem for you. I’ll have to head in store to find my match!
Jenn │ Beauty by Jelly Bean
Thank you so much Jenn. This foundation surprised me the most this year. I don’t like the fact that alcohol is listed that high, but it didn’t seem to aggravate or further dehydrate my skin. I would suggest getting a sample first! ~ Cat L.
A review so fab that I need to run and get a sample of it asap. I’m intrigued to give this a try on my skin – I do have the oily t-zone and curious to see how this pretty holds up to it during the day.
Btw, you are gorgeous with or without makeup ❤️ xox
Wow Cat !
Your skin looks so flawless, even without makeup ! This YSL foundation sounds great ! And need to catch up here 😉 Kisses
Kédidja ~ beautymoodboard.com
This foundation is all I see on my IG feed lately and now I know why! Just like you, I am not a fan of matte foundation, but all day wear? I’ll take that! Your skin looks beautiful with or without it though xx
Naya // http://www.partyparrotblog.com
Great review and foundation! 🙂 Hope to try it soon! Loved your photos, you are very beautiful, my lovely! Have a happy day! 🙂
Great review Cat! Which one do you like better, the YSL or Guerlain Lingerie De Peau? I am considering between those two. My skin is dehydrated combination a little on the dry side.
xx Nin
Thank you for stopping by. I think they’re both great options but quite different when it comes to coverage and finish. Lingerie de Peau provides a very natural finish. As such, it doesn’t do a great job covering my pores and imperfections. If I had to choose one foundation, I would go with YSL All Hours. It truly creates an airbrushed kind of look. Another favorite that I’ve been wearing pretty much daily is the La Mer Soft Fluid Foundation, which I reviewed previously on the blog. It has antiaging benefits and truly looks like my skin but better! Hope this helps! ~ Cat L.